Vibrio Outbreak Sickens 67 in Canada

A Vibrio outbreak linked to raw oysters has sickened 67 people in Canada. The illnesses have been reported in British Columbia and Alberta.

Vibrio parahaemolyticusbacteria naturally occurs in coastal waters during warmer months. Shellfish that is contaminated with Vibrio doesn’t smell or taste off but it does cause illness.

Symptoms of a Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection include watery or bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps lasting about three days. Young children, seniors, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are at highest risk for illness.

Most of the illnesses in this outbreak were reported between June 1 and August 7, 2015 . The investigation is ongoing.